High trunks are particularly aesthetic because they deviate from the natural growth habit. They open up new design options and better use of space, because a standard tree can be planted underneath. So that the wood does not get out of shape, care measures are important.

A tree raised as a standard is beautiful to look at

Table of Contents

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  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Suitable plants
  3. Pull the high trunk yourself
  4. Maintenance of high trunks
  5. importance
  6. frequently asked Questions

    7. the essentials in brief

    • In principle, all trees and shrubs can be raised to become standard trees, but fast-growing species are more forgiving of pruning mistakes
    • A high trunk must be cut every year
    • high trunks less stable and therefore more susceptible to strong winds; therefore, young trees should be supported

    Which plants are suitable?

    In principle, all shrubs are suitable for cultivation as a standard. Some tend to form side shoots more than other trees. Fast-growing trees are more forgiving of pruning mistakes, because they regenerate quickly and make wrong cuts disappear. If you want to plant the standard tree in the garden, you should prefer hardy shrubs.

    Popular standard species:

    • Berry bushes: elderberries, gooseberries and currants
    • Coniferous trees: thuja, mountain pine, juniper
    • Roses: 'Rose de Resht', 'Leonardo da Vinci', 'Nostalgia'
    • Willows: Harlequin willow, Japanese ornamental willow

    pot plants

    High stems in tubs are a classic, because they set accents on the terrace and balcony. Most Mediterranean and summer-flowering shrubs are raised as a standard. Lantana, olive tree and citrus trees are popular. But small magnolias and almond trees also thrive in pots. These trees are not grafted, but pruned accordingly when young. It is important to have a stable container and to comply with the annual care measures. Container plants overwinter in a sheltered spot.

    High stems can be planted in the garden or cultivated in tubs. In both cases, regular cuts are necessary.

    design options

    Roses can also be raised as a standard

    The special plants are a real eye-catcher in the garden and on the terrace. They allow enchanted design options on two levels. While treetops dominate the viewing height, the trunks are lost in the colors of the underplanting. Standard trees not only enrich the ornamental garden, but also offer a real enrichment in the kitchen garden.

    theme underplanting
    roses English garden Lavender, bed roses, perennials
    berry bushes snack garden low vegetables
    pastures Mediterranean bed Shrub Veronica, Musk Mallow
    fruit trees cottage garden Spanish daisy, cranesbill
    carnation cherry Japanese garden blue early bloomers

    Pull the high trunk yourself

    With a little patience and the right care, a young shrub can be formed into a standard. If you pay attention to an adequate supply of nutrients and water, you can grow numerous trees and shrubs such as eucalyptus or spindle bushes as standard trees yourself.

    preparations

    The young plant should have a straight central shoot that grows healthy and strong. This is tied to a support rod with a hose band or a tree bandage. Remove any stronger side branches so that the shoot tip grows better and the trunk becomes thicker. Tie the growing shoot tip to the support stick periodically.

    Instructions for cutting

    Once the trunk has reached the desired height, cut off the shoot tip with three to four leaves. This promotes the formation of branches in the crown area. The trunk height is determined by this cutting measure. Now you can shape the crown by shortening the side shoots to three to four leaves. A dense, rounded crown develops over time. When the trunk is thick enough to support the weight of the crown, you can remove the support rod.

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    Fertilize

    Ensure a sufficient supply of nutrients by fertilizing the tree disc with compost. Apply the material in such a way that the root neck remains free and can dry. Stagnant moisture can lead to the development of rot and mold. If the nutrient requirements of young trees are not optimally covered, the trees and shrubs will age easily.

    Maintenance of high trunks

    Standard trees require a lot of care

    A high trunk requires special attention so that it can contribute to biodiversity and not become overgrown. Make sure that the trunk and root area are optimally protected. A high stem should be pruned annually, otherwise the fruit yield and growth habit will suffer.

    root protection

    Mice in the soil pose a great threat to tall trees. These dig passages in the substrate and ensure that the roots do not have optimal ground contact. This not only affects the stability but also the supply of nutrients and water. Encourage natural enemies in your garden, which will naturally deter mice. Keep the tree pit free of grass by mowing or covering the area with gravel several times a year.

    tips

    If mice are active in the root area, birds of prey will not stay away for long. Provide the heavy birds with a perch to protect young trees from breaking branches.

    Cutting for maintenance

    An annual maintenance pruning is necessary to create a balance between the crown and the trunk. A loose but stable crown that allows a sufficiently high incidence of light into the crown interior is ideal. The ideal time is in early spring before they sprout.

    Remove dead and diseased branches. Cut off all fruit branches at the base that are more than three years old. These often hang down and disturb the overall picture. Young shoots that are too close together and those that have formed on the thicker branches are also completely cut out. All other young shoots remain so that they can develop into fruit wood.

    Special features when cutting individual species:

    • gooseberry: Crop yield decreases without pruning
    • currant: Stem shoots are often not varietal
    • blood plum: Pruning measures lead to water drift

    trunk protection

    In order for the trunk to grow straight, it should be fixed to a stake. Be careful not to rub the binding into the wood. If the tension is too high, you should loosen the binding rope. Protect the trunk from external influences such as frost. Special plastic trunk protection mats prevent damage from machines and wild animals.

    tips

    Bamboo and reed mats or jute wraps can also be attached to protect the trunk.

    What is a high trunk?

    Standard trees are fruit trees with a crown that is 180 to 220 cm high. This specification has been a nationwide standard since 1995. This growth form is achieved through annual pruning measures. In the first few years after sowing, all side branches must be removed. In the third year, the branches that are supposed to form the crown remain standing. All underlying shoots are cut off.

    digression

    A look into the past

    From 1950 to 1995, the norm of crown height was from 160 to 180 cm. Due to the changed use and the increasingly larger tractors that were responsible for cutting orchards, the values had to be increased. Trees with even higher crowns, which are often found in avenues, are called solitaires.

    benefits

    When a dwarf form is affected by fire blight, the entire plant often has to be uprooted. High trunks can be a way out, because they tolerate a strong pruning in the affected area. Additional use of green space is possible on meadow orchards with old cultivated varieties. The advantages of the standard can also be used in the garden. The crown provides shade and the free trunk area can be used to hang hammocks. In addition, standard trees provide valuable habitats for rare and sometimes endangered species.

    Planting distances for tall trees:

    • Apple: six to eight meters
    • pear: five to seven meters
    • sweet cherry: six to nine meters
    • plum: four to six meters
    • quince: four to five meters

    frequently asked Questions

    Can I transplant a standard tree?

    Young trees can still be transplanted quite easily

    Young trees can easily be transplanted because they have not yet developed a widespread root system. The older the trees get, the more difficult this measure becomes. The roots go deep into the ground and usually cannot be dug out without damaging them. If transplanting cannot be avoided, you should uncover as large a root ball as possible.

    How should a standard overwinter?

    Standard trees are more sensitive to wind and weather than trees and shrubs with a natural growth habit. In the case of grafted varieties, the grafting point under the crown can quickly become damaged. Winter protection is therefore also necessary for hardy plants. Make sure that the trunk does not get the morning sun. Strong temperature fluctuations can lead to frost cracks. A reed mat provides shade for the trunk. Alternatively, you can apply a protective white coat that reflects the sunlight.

    How can I underplant the standard tree?

    If the tree grows in a sunny location, you have a free choice. Most balcony flowers thrive below the trees. Petunias, snowflakes, sweethearts, and lobelia like light shade, while fuchsias, ivy, and begonias grow in shady conditions. Pay attention to a harmonious combination of colors. Contrasts or coordinated arrangements look particularly beautiful. In the bucket you can combine bushy with overhanging species, creating three levels.

    Do tall trees require special care?

    The trees are less stable than their relatives with a natural growth habit. You should therefore protect the plants from the wind and, if necessary, support them with a stake. Many shrubs tend to sprout from the trunk. Such shoots must be removed early. Regular crown pruning is just as important as an adequate supply of nutrients.

    How tall are low, half and high trunks?

    In the case of low trunks, the crown begins at a height of between 80 and 100 centimetres. Half trunks have a crown base at a height of between 100 and 160 centimeters. A nationwide standard has been in force for tall trees since 1995. This stipulates that the crown must be between 180 and 220 centimeters.

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